The thanksgiving I observe reflects this sentiment:
'President Lincoln declared a thanksgiving day in 1863 on the last Thursday of November, which continued annually from then till now. This was done in the midst of the Civil War and was designed for thanksgiving for blessings, penitence for the nation’s sins, and prayers for the wounded soldiers and the widows and orphans of the fallen. Lincoln prayed that God would “heal the wounds of the nation and restore it.” '
I aspire to empathy and I am sensitive to those who would find offensive the construction paper pilgrim hats and war feathers of my youth. If that was all we knew and celebrated of Thanksgiving, it would indeed be a travesty.
Being grateful for one's life blessings is a universal value and celebrated in virtually all cultures and faith traditions. I refuse to feel guilty for being grateful.
In the spirit of Lincoln's proclamation, I have for the last 15-20 years or so - in my dotage - aspired to meditate and use this time for introspection and self-awareness.
Today, I spent with my Mom. We worked a jigsaw; we giggled; we planned; we evaluated our respective charitable contributions for the year; and we sympathized with others who we thought of during our time together.
I thank my God on every remembrance of each one of you who I call FB friend. (paraphrased from Philippians 1:3)
Here is the source for the quote I shared: (https://publicholidays.us/thanksgiving-day/).
